Research Specialist - Gallon Lab – Division Of Nephrology

RESEARCH SPECIALIST - GALLON LAB – DIVISION OF NEPHROLOGY

Hiring Department: Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1024295
Posting Close Date: April 24, 2024

DESCRIPTION:

Position Summary
This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques.
The Gallon Lab in the Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate for the position of Research Specialist to participate in impactful research in transplantation aimed to determine molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney disease and rejection in transplant patients.

Duties & Responsibilities

• The Research Specialist will actively participate in biobanking activities and contribute to collaborative translational research in transplant immunology by using techniques of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and proteomics, as well as maintaining the day-to-day needs of the lab.
• Be pro-active, highly organized, passionate about research, positively embrace teamwork while eagerly working toward independent proficiency to perform new skills and responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in biobanking activities.
• Supports collaborative research projects under limited supervision by conducting routine techniques of molecular and cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, and proteomics with increasing independence.
• Maintains clear, accurate, complete, and timely reports of experiments and generated data.
• Maintains day-to-day lab materials and supplies including assistance with lab organization, maintaining stock and inventory, ordering supplies, and looks after general maintenance of the lab in accordance with safe laboratory standards.
• Perform scientific literature search and assist with preparation of presentations, grants, and publications.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Master’s degree in science preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in biobank activities and handling of clinical samples.

Experience in the following techniques:

• Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, and protein extraction; cloning; PCR; qRT-PCR; recombinant virus production and purification.
• Cellular Biology: Mammalian cell culture (primary and cell lines), DNA transformation, transfection, and transduction; isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma from whole blood; cell isolation; functional studies.
• Biochemistry: SDS-PAGE; western blotting.
• Immunology: ELISA; Cytokine assay; Flow cytometry.
• Proteomics: immune precipitation; sample preparation for mass spectrometry.
• Microscopy: phase contrast; fluorescence.

Experience with -omics technologies and computational biology/bioinformatics is advantageous.
Willingness to develop new skills and increasingly work independently, once proficient.
Well-organized with attention to detail.
Good time management.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work as part of a collaborative team.
Proficiency with Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Knowledge of basic statistics.
Possesses and applies basic knowledge of biologic sciences, biomedical research principles, concepts, practices, and methods which have been developed through related research experience.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

• The Research Specialist will actively participate in biobanking activities and contribute to collaborative translational research in transplant immunology by using techniques of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and proteomics, as well as maintaining the day-to-day needs of the lab.
• Be pro-active, highly organized, passionate about research, positively embrace teamwork while eagerly working toward independent proficiency to perform new skills and responsibilities as assigned.
• Participate in biobanking activities.
• Supports collaborative research projects under limited supervision by conducting routine techniques of molecular and cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, and proteomics with increasing independence.
• Maintains clear, accurate, complete, and timely reports of experiments and generated data.
• Maintains day-to-day lab materials and supplies including assistance with lab organization, maintaining stock and inventory, ordering supplies, and looks after general maintenance of the lab in accordance with safe laboratory standards.
• Perform scientific literature search and assist with preparation of presentations, grants, and publications.
• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned